Catholic Bishops Oppose Cybercrime Law, Tell Sikimye Youth: “Don’t Be Afraid”

• Catholic bishops have warned that two amended laws, the Cybercrime Act 2025 and the Land Act 2025, risk undermining Kenya’s democratic position
• Pastors said the cyber law gives investigators and courts too much power, opening up room for intimidation and abuse
• They urged the legislature to reopen the laws, remove vague provisions, and hold public participation forums in all counties
• They also urged the youth to register as voters before 2027, calling voter registration a peaceful instrument of accountability

Catholic bishops have increased pressure on the President William Rutowarning that the two newly amended laws threaten to diminish Kenya’s democratic position.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Kenya said the Computer Abuse and Cybercrime Amendment Act 2025 and the Land Amendment Act 2025 were pushed through Parliament without proper consultation, raising fears of misuse by government agencies.

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The statement from the bishops comes weeks after Ruto signed the amendment, which gives the authority greater powers to remove inappropriate content.

Courts can also order the closure of websites or digital accounts believed to promote illegal activity.

According to the government, the law aims to reduce cyberbullying, online fraud, and dangerous content, although digital rights groups say the wording of the law is vague and leaves room for abuse.

What concerns have the Catholic bishops of Kenya raised?

During a press conference on Thursday, November 13, the clerics warned that Kenya risks falling into a culture of intimidation if the concerns raised by the public continue to be ignored.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo said the way the laws were handled has increased mistrust among citizens.

He noted that the amendment gave investigators and courts broad powers, including the power to delete online content or block digital platforms before the process is complete.

The bishop emphasized that the public must be heard on issues affecting freedom of expression, digital rights, and the ability of young people to question government actions.

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“Meaningful public participation would be essential. The fears that Kenyans have expressed about these new laws should not be ignored. They deserve to be heard and, where necessary, remedial action taken,” Archbishop Philip Anyolo said.

The bishops warned that the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime law contains provisions that could be interpreted in ways that oppress critics.

They said some provisions risk being misused to interfere with democratic participation or hinder online advocacy.

What action do the bishops want the Kenyan parliament to take?

Although they acknowledged the need for responsible behavior on social media, they emphasized that young people should not feel threatened when speaking out.

Anyolo stressed that citizen participation strengthens accountability, adding that online spaces must protect expression, not criminalize it.

“We have always called on the public, especially young people, to use civil language when expressing concerns online. However, they should not be intimidated to express themselves as active citizens who love the affairs of their country,” Anyolo added.

The bishops urged the National Assembly to open a new review of the law and remove articles that increase fear among citizens.

They said clarity is needed on who is the target of the new punishment, calling for public participation sessions in all counties to ensure Kenyans understand the law.

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The bishops used the platform to encourage young people to register as voters before the 2027 General Election.

They described voter registration as a peaceful way to influence the national trend, saying that each vote represents the need for justice, accountability, and responsible leadership.

“The accelerated voter registration period is upon us. We therefore strongly urge all eligible youth to register. Registering as a voter protects your voice and contribution, and enables Kenya to continue to grow in justice, peace, and unity,” the bishops said.

They called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to also increase registration centers, especially in remote areas where access is still limited.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke